As the Coronavirus pandemic progresses, it’s becoming clear that the list of potential COVID-19 symptoms are more wide-ranging than originally believed and may vary extensively on a case-by-case basis.
Now patients are reporting rashes as a symptom with medical practitioners warning that skin complaints could be a potential sign of the virus. The American Academy of Dermatology is also curating a registry to collect information on the ‘dermatologic manifestations of the virus’.
While the NHS website currently only lists a new, continuous cough and a high temperature as symptoms (the WHO website goes into a bit more detail), one study from the Department of Dermatology in Italy found that out of 88 patients, 18 reported ‘cutaneous manifestations’ – skin complaints which included rashes (14 patients), hives (3 patients) and chickenpox-like blisters (1 patient).
Another study, in Wuhan, found hives present in just 1.4% of 140 patients. By contrast, the same study reported a fever in 91.7% of patients and a cough and fatigue in 75% of patients respectively.
While the figures currently show skin complaints to be a far less common symptom, it’s important to remember that clinical research into COVID-19 is still very much in its infancy, and further studies are needed to paint an accurate picture. The best thing you can do for now is to pay attention to your body.
“There are new and emerging symptoms of COVID-19 being released daily as more people who are contracting the virus are showing other types of symptoms,” says Dr. Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor. “We know there are the major symptoms and the lesser-known minor symptoms, so it’s really important to keep an eye on any changes to your body. It’s been revealed that a number of COVID-19 patients have developed a rash on the skin since being diagnosed, however it’s important to note that this hasn’t been established as a major symptom.”
Dr. Giuseppe also advises that there are plenty of other causes of a rash. “Rashes can develop on the skin for a number of different reasons – for example, it’s hay fever season, so many people may confuse allergic reactions with symptoms of the virus, such as itchy, dry, red skin, as well as developing a rash.”
“If you notice that you’re developing a rash and you have other symptoms of COVID-19, then I would suggest self-isolating immediately and keeping a close eye on your symptoms,” adds Dr. Giuseppe. “If you’ve developed a rash but aren’t suffering with any other symptoms then I wouldn’t worry too much, as this is most likely a reaction to allergies or something your skin has been in contact with. But be sure to keep an eye on it, as well as keeping an eye out for any other emerging symptoms.”
